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Official Description

Sinusotomy frontal; transorbital, unilateral (for mucocele or osteoma, Lynch type)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A unilateral frontal sinusotomy is a surgical procedure that involves accessing the frontal sinus through a transorbital approach, which means the surgery is performed through the orbit of the eye. This procedure is specifically indicated for the removal of a mucocele, osteoma, or other mass lesions that may be present in the frontal sinus. The term "Lynch-type procedure" refers to the specific technique used in this surgery, which is characterized by a precise incision made just below the eyebrow on the side of the affected sinus. This approach allows for direct access to the frontal sinus while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The procedure involves several critical steps, including the elevation of soft tissues, the use of specialized instruments to cut through the bone, and the careful removal of the lesion. After the lesion is excised, the bone flap is replaced and secured, followed by layered closure of the soft tissues and skin. This detailed approach ensures that the underlying structures are preserved as much as possible while effectively addressing the pathological condition within the frontal sinus.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The unilateral frontal sinusotomy via a transorbital approach is performed for specific conditions affecting the frontal sinus. The primary indications for this procedure include:

  • Mucocele A mucocele is a cystic lesion filled with mucus that can cause obstruction and expansion of the frontal sinus, leading to symptoms such as pain, pressure, and potential infection.
  • Osteoma An osteoma is a benign bone tumor that can develop in the frontal sinus, potentially causing obstruction or other complications that necessitate surgical intervention.
  • Other Mass Lesions This procedure may also be indicated for the removal of other types of mass lesions within the frontal sinus that may cause similar symptoms or complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a unilateral frontal sinusotomy via a transorbital approach involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure effective access and removal of the lesion while minimizing trauma to surrounding structures.

  • Step 1: Incision The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision immediately below the eyebrow on the affected side. This incision is carefully placed to provide optimal access to the frontal sinus while maintaining cosmetic considerations.
  • Step 2: Tissue Elevation After the incision is made, the surgeon dissects through the subcutaneous tissue down to the periosteum, which is the connective tissue covering the bone. The soft tissues are then elevated off the underlying frontal bone to expose the area where the bone will be accessed.
  • Step 3: Bone Access Using an oscillating saw or drill, the surgeon carefully cuts through the bone that lies directly over the frontal sinus. This step is crucial as it allows for direct visualization and access to the sinus cavity.
  • Step 4: Bone Flap Management The bone that is cut may be left hinged on one side or completely removed, depending on the specific requirements of the procedure and the surgeon's preference. This flexibility allows for optimal access to the lesion.
  • Step 5: Lesion Removal Once access to the frontal sinus is achieved, the mucocele, osteoma, or other mass lesion is located and carefully excised. This step is critical to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
  • Step 6: Closure After the lesion is removed, the bone flap is replaced and secured in position using plates and screws. Finally, the soft tissues and skin are closed in layers to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a unilateral frontal sinusotomy includes monitoring for any signs of complications such as infection or bleeding. Patients may experience swelling and discomfort in the area, which can be managed with appropriate pain relief measures. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and ensure that there are no residual issues related to the frontal sinus. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions and signs to watch for that may indicate complications, ensuring a smooth recovery process.

Short Descr EXPLORATION OF FRONTAL SINUS
Medium Descr SINUSOTOMY FRONTAL TRANSORBITAL UNILATERAL
Long Descr Sinusotomy frontal; transorbital, unilateral (for mucocele or osteoma, Lynch type)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 33 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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